Oops. In a moment of tipsiness, I’ve invited three of my closest friends to a summer picnic chez moi. Sadly in a moment of sobering clarity I’ve realised I’m not really equipped to be the hostess with the most for an alfresco affair. The last time I went to a picnic I was served soggy sandwiches and was made to sit on an itchy blanket - an experience I wish never to repeat. So to save face, I’ve decided to give the humble picnic a facelift, go all out and invest in some proper tools to entertain with - because with proper tools, taste comes naturally, I hope…

Here is my shopping list:

The food

For a more upper-crust affair, you can build your own hamper at Fortnum and Masons or any of their other international food hamper suppliers - make sure it is replete with sauvignon blanc, pies, cakes and patisserie. Your well-chosen wares are all presented in a wicker basket too - which adds an air of bourgeois decadence.

However, if the inner Stepford Wife turns her nose up at this as the cheat's answer to picnicking, then pack-up your own homemade baguettes in this gorgeous Wald Woodchip Picnic Hamper, for the perfect balance of contemporary and classic.

Whatever your food options are be sure to take along a cool bag to keep your perishable treats chilled. The iThermo keeps your food cold for up to 10 hours at a sub-zero temperature, meaning you can sit back and digest your antipasti without the fear of your tub of Dulche de Leche Häagen-Dazs melting. Phew.

The seating

So, you've found your picturesque spot - what's next? Well, you can't just sit on the grass - that would be terribly indecorous. Choose the Nos Da Picnic Blanket as your makeshift tablecloth – it’s not only double the thickness of most blankets, it has a waxed canvas backing to insulate you from cool or damp surfaces and to ensure comfortable picnicking wherever you rest your derriere.

For those not willing to be seated on the ground, be sure to invest in a couple of folding chairs to accommodate their behinds. I’m coveting these Rio Designer High Back Chairs. Not only do the beach stripes look kitsch, they’re also ergonomically-designed with an extra-high back and contoured pillow headrest for added neck support.  Oh, and they have a drink holder too, to keeps your beverage close at hand.

The crockery and tableware

This traditional style backpack by is transformed into the ideal wine and cheese picnic pack, it contains enough cutlery, plates and glasses for four diners as well as salt and pepper, a cutting board and a corkscrew, all packed away in a neat rucksack, making it easy to repack at the first sign of bad weather!

The outfit

Though not essential, I love a bit of dressing up and a picnic gives me the perfect excuse to embrace my (well-hidden) domestic goddess and wear an apron to protect my clothes when dishing out the food. This one from Cath Kidson is very befitting for a picnic.

The finishing touches

The finishing touch to this delightful tableau? A proper game of croquet played with the Franklin Classic Series 6-Player set. What better way to celebrate the end of an outdoor feast?

Now I’ve got my alfresco dining kit sorted, all I’ve got to do is remember where I arranged to meet everyone…